Benefits of Curry Leaves for Health

Curry Leaves, that quintessential aromatic ingredient, found in Indian households have innumerable health and therapeutic benefits. Curry leaves tree is semi-deciduous, unarmed aromatic and small spreading shrub with strong woody stem but slender with the stem which is dark green to brownish in colour is a small tree, growing 4–6 metres tall, with a trunk up to 40 -50 cm diameter. The plant produces small white coloured flowers, fragrant and funnel-shaped, which can self-pollinate and produces small shiny-black drupelets containing a single large viable seed. The berry pulp is edible and has a sweet flavour. The plant is native to the Indian subcontinent. The history of curry leaves is seen in the early 1st to 4th century AD. In Tamil and Kannada literature it was termed as  ‘Kari’ with its vast uses. The word now popularly used for the Murraya koenigii which is originated from the Tamil word ‘Kari’ which means ‘spiced sauce’. Commercial plantations have been established in India, and more recently in the Australian continent. The generic name of this plant is “Murraya koenigii”, it is also called curry leaf tree or curry bush, among numerous local names, depending on the country. Curry leaves are the foliage of the curry tree. The curry leaves are used for both medicinal and culinary applications. They’re highly aromatic and have a unique flavour with notes of citrus. The leaves are rich in minerals, nutrients and proteins. They also contain vitamins like vitamins A, B, C, and E, etc. Although Curry leaves are edible, some people do not prefer to eat them. They use them to get a characteristic aroma in the cuisines. But eating Curry leaves is healthy and does not cause any side effects. Curry leaves have many Health Benefits:-

1. Powerful antioxidant:- 

Curry leaves are rich in plant compounds which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds keep our bodies healthy and protect us from various diseases.

2.  Reduce the risk of cancer:-

Curry leaves have anti-mutagenic potential which helps protect our body from different types of cancers. The flavonoids present in curry leaves act as anti-cancer agents and reduce the risk of cancer.

3. Reduces risk of heart diseases:-

Curry leaves protect our hearts by preventing oxidative damage. Consumption of Curry leaves also decreases cholesterol levels, thus helping protect us from heart diseases.

4. Good for our eyes:-

Curry leaves are rich in vitamin A and hence beneficial for our eyes. They help in maintaining good eyesight and prevent the development of cataracts.

5. Helps in weight loss:-

Curry leaves also help in maintaining cholesterol levels in our bodies. They also act as a detoxifying agent and remove toxins from our body preventing the accumulation of fat which aids in weight loss.

6. Good for our skin

Curry leaves are helpful in soothing mild burns, bruises and eruptions on the skin. They also protect our skin from infections. Therefore Curry leaves are also used as a constituent of some soaps.

7. Analgesic:-

Curry leaves act as an analgesic and is useful in relieving pain. They have been used traditionally as a pain reliever.

Benefits of Curry Leaves for Hair:-

Curry leaves have many health benefits. Being a rich source of protein and antioxidants it helps in strengthening the hair fibres and encourages fast hair growth. It also helps prevent hair loss. The amino acids present in the curry leaves help retain hair strength and hair shine. It also moisturizes the scalp and removes dead follicles which boost hair growth by providing essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins to the hair.

Now knowing the benefits of curry leaves, you should also start using curry leaves in your routine.